Pangburn’s 3-year-old debut Friday at Oaklawn Park was a smashing success, setting up the Congrats filly perfectly for a run at the $1 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) May 1 at Churchill Downs.

Pangburn powered to a 1 ¼-length entry-level allowance victory in the ninth race under Jesus Castanon, winning for the second time in three lifetime starts. She covered 1 1/16 miles over a fast track in a solid 1:45.16.

“I’ve always said she’s as good, if not better, than Rosalind,” trainer Ken McPeek said, referring to his Grade 1-winning filly of 2014. “She’s pretty special.”

McPeek said he hopes to use the $400,000 Fantasy S. (G3) April 4 as Pangburn’s final prep for the Oaks.

Owned by John Ed Anthony’s Shortleaf Stable, Pangburn won her July 12 career debut at Ellis Park before running second in the $200,000 Pocahontas S. (G2) Sept. 6 Churchill Downs. She’s been off since that race after contracting a virus.

Panburn, who has earned $103,470, is out of the stakes-winning mare It’s True Love. She was bred in Kentucky by Edward Seltzer and Beverly Anderson.